Location

Refund Policy

Refunds up to 1 day before event

Event description

Description

Join us for the Annual Meeting of the Virginia Chapter of The Wildlife Society, February 4th –6th, 2018, in Waynesboro Virginia. This meeting will bring together biologists, private and public land managers, consulting organizations, educational institutions, student chapters, among others from across the Commonwealth. Presentations on management, conservation, and research will be given and discussed. The forum provides a platform for both student and professional oral and poster presentations. Workshops will take place on February 4th with poster session and student/professional mixer that evening, oral presenations and banquet will occur on February 5th, and February 6th we will continue with oral presenations, the VA TWS buisness meeting, and a field trip to the Wildlife Center of Virginia.

Ticket Packages (available for both students and professionals)

- Full Package: Conference Registration, Workshop, & Banquet

- Package A: Conference Registration & Banquet

- Package B: Conference Registration & Workshop

- Conference Registration (All Days)

- Conference Registration (Wed. Only)

Early Registration closes on 01/21/19. After that date, ticket prices will increase $10 per item.

2) Handling, Restraint and Sample techniques for wildlife in the field

Wild animal restraint and handling techniques are not as well known for field settings compared to captive settings. Field biologists, veterinarians and government regulatory agencies require humane treatment and proper care of free-range wildlife. The objective of the workshop is for you to learn how to capture, restrain, and handle wildlife in the field. This workshop will include photos, videos, and hands on experience of appropriate methods used to capture and restrain commonly encountered wildlife species. Discussion will include the importance of learning and developing skills to ensure the well-being of both you and the animal. We will also discuss field-sampling techniques for research purposes

3) Introduction to Unmanned Aerial Systems

Unmanned aerial systems (aka drones) are new and accessible tools with many potential uses in natural resources management. The objectives of this workshop are to provide participants with background information on UASs and an overview of what you need to know before purchasing and deploying a vehicle and completing the necessary regulatory steps to flying. We will provide examples using various vehicles, sensors, and software.

Field Trip

Back by popular demand we are offering a field trip to the Wildlife Center of Virginia (https://www.wildlifecenter.org/), a hospital for native wildlife located in Waynesboro, VA, approximately 10 minutes from the Best Western. On Wednesday February 6 from 1:00-2:30 you will get a behind-the-scenes look at how WCV operates. The tour includes a look at the state-of-the-art hospital and care facilities as well as outdoor facilities that house patients nearing release and education animals. You will hear about the veterinary process, the rehabilitation process, education programs and on-going research at the center. What better way to close out the meeting!

VA TWS Memberships

VA TWS memberships are not available through Eventbrite. If you need to purchase a membership, contact Shannon Bowling (shannon.bowling@dgif.virginia.gov) or see him during the meeting.

Lodging

Lodging for the meeting should be arranged directly with the conference hotel - the Best Western Waynesboro. A block of rooms is being held until January 14, 2019 under the name VA Chapter of The Wildlife Society for a rate of $93 per night. This rate includes breakfast and is valid on February 4 and 5 only.